Metal-clad multi-circuit electrical cable assembly

ABSTRACT

An electrical cable assembly, comprising a first electrical circuit further comprising a first plurality of insulated conductors longitudinally disposed to one another, wherein the first plurality of insulated conductors are cabled together in a bundle. The electrical cable assembly further comprises a second electrical circuit longitudinally disposed to the first electrical circuit, the second electrical circuit comprising a second plurality of insulated conductors longitudinally disposed to one another and cabled together in a bundle and a nonmetallic jacket surrounding the second plurality of insulated conductors and wherein the nonmetallic jacket isolating the first electrical circuit from the second electrical circuit. The electrical cable assembly further comprises a flexible interlocking metallic armor encasing the first and second electrical circuits.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/265,952, filed Dec. 10, 2015 which is fullyincorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to electrical wire and cable,and more particularly, to the manufacturing and composition ofmulti-conductor electrical wire and cable for commercial use.

2. Description of Related Art

Due to the rapid acceptance and/or adoption of the International EnergyConservation Code (IECC) and the International Green Construction Code(IGCC), an increasing number of commercial buildings are constructedwith advanced energy management systems utilizing “smart control”technology. Energy management systems and smart lighting technologypermit building operators to reduce the light power density (LPD) of thebuilding's lighting footprint in an effort to decrease over-illuminationand unnecessary energy waste. In 2014 the National Electrical Code®(NEC) created Article 750 specifically to address the growing trend inenergy management and smart lighting technology that maintains “smart”luminaires (lighting fixtures) as critical components of a building'soverall energy use reduction program.

Smart lighting control technology reduces energy usage and cost byeliminating over-illumination, which results in unnecessary energywaste. These solutions provide centralized control of all lightingwithin a commercial building, thus allowing implementation ofscheduling, occupancy control, daylight harvesting, and more. Manysystems also support Demand Response (DR), and will automatically dim orturn off lights to take advantage of DR incentives and cost savingsobtainable through the International Building Code.

Energy management technology in commercial buildings is not limited tolighting systems. “Smart” climate control systems can monitor andcontrol localized air handling systems to maintain optimal temperaturesin occupied and unoccupied spaces. Centralized management and controlsystems can also monitor and control security-related fixtures, such asremotely-lockable access doors, elevators, and more. These are only afew examples.

As used in this specification, the term “smart” (with or withoutquotation marks) used to describe a luminaire or other commercialbuilding fixture, refers to a device or apparatus typically installed ina commercial building or structure, which device or apparatus comprises(a) a “primary” electrical power supply circuit which delivers therequisite supply voltage necessary to permit the fixture to perform itsprimary function (e.g., the power needed to illuminate a light fixture);and (b) one or more separate control circuit(s) through which acentralized energy management/control system may transmit operationalcontrol signals to, and/or receive sensor or status information from,such device or apparatus.

Smart fixtures that are monitored and controlled by an integrated smartsystem, typically require at least two separate circuits for operation:(a) A Class 1 circuit to supply the electrical power needed to operatethe fixture; and (b) a Class 2 or 3 circuit to carry low-voltage controlsignals from the building's energy management system, which signalsallow the system to control each fixture and/or receive information senttherefrom. For example, control signals to a “smart” luminaire can turnthe lights on or off, dim the lighting output, etc.

The NEC and various other building and electrical codes require Class 1supply circuits, which typically operate at 110 VAC but may operate upto 600 VAC, to be protected by a conductive raceway (such as metallicconduit), or to be installed using metal-clad (MC) electrical cable, thepurpose of which is to protect the conductors within, while providing areturn ground path to guard against ground fault, short-circuit, orother electrical fault. Class 2/3 control circuits, on the other hand,carry lower-voltage signals and thus may be installed using standardflexible insulated cable rated for such signals.

Traditionally, these two circuits to a given smart fixture are installedseparately, using both MC and non-MC multi-conductor cable. In manyinstances, both cables are installed and connected to the same fixture.This requires two separate cable runs (often by two different electricalcontractors at different times), resulting in duplication of labor,additional material costs, the time and expense of obtaining additionalpermits and inspections, etc. The resulting installation results in abulky arrangement of two separate cables terminating at the fixture viaa connector plate or access panel equipped with two or more separateconnection ports.

In a typical commercial lighting installation, for example, multipleceiling-mounted luminaires are each connected to these dual circuits.The result is a complex arrangement of cables and connectors in theceiling spaces where such luminaires are installed.

One prior art solution is to install two separate multi-conductorcables—one rated for the Class 1 circuit, the other for the Class 2/3circuit—together inside a single conductive raceway or conduit made ofelectrical metallic tubing, or EMT. Said raceway or conduit connectsdirectly to the fixture through a single port. While this method doescreate a de facto multi-circuit armored pathway to the fixture, itrequires the installer to first install the conduit itself, then pulltwo separate cables through the conduit. The method thus achieves spacesavings and results in a well-protected and more aesthetically pleasinginstallation; but it requires considerable additional time, labor, andmaterials, as well as the increased costs associated therewith.

Therefore, a need exists for a single, integrated multi-circuitelectrical cable assembly which can carry both a properly-armored Class1 circuit (to supply operating power) and a Class 2/3 circuit (to carrycontrol signals) to each fixture, without the requirement of installingseparate circuit cabling.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention provides for an integrated,multi-circuit electrical cable assembly. The cable assembly comprises atleast one Class 1-rated electrical circuit and at least one Class2/3-rated electrical circuit, longitudinally disposed to one another.The Class 2/3-rated circuit is isolated from the Class 1-rated circuitby an insulating jacketing or sheathing. The entire assembly is encasedwithin a flexible, conductive metallic armor which forms an electricallyconductive return ground path to protect against ground fault,short-circuit or other electrical fault.

One embodiment of the invention also provides a method for manufacturinga metal-clad multi-circuit electrical cable assembly. The methodcomprises placing a plurality of multi-conductor electrical circuitstogether in longitudinal disposition to one another, thus forming amulti-circuit assembly, wrapping the assembly with a nonconductiveseparator tape, and placing a flexible, interlocked conductive metalsheath around the wrapped assembly such that the metal sheath encasesthe wrapped multi-circuit cable assembly and forms a conductive returnelectrical ground path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description,will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appendeddrawings. For the purpose of illustration, there is shown in thedrawings certain embodiments of the present disclosure. It should beunderstood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a metal-cladmulti-circuit electrical cable assembly in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of a metal-clad multi-circuit electrical cableassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top and side views, respectively, of an installationof a metal-clad multi-circuit electrical cable to a “smart” lightingfixture in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a commercial ceiling installation of “smart”lighting fixtures using the metal-clad multi-circuit electrical cable inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an end view of a metal-clad multi-circuit electrical cable inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an end view of a metal-clad multi-circuit electrical cable inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an end view of a metal-clad multi-circuit electrical cable inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a metal-cladmulti-circuit electrical cable assembly in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a metal-cladmulti-circuit electrical cable assembly in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use the present invention. The general principlesdescribed herein may be applied to embodiments and applications otherthan those specifically detailed below without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention isnot intended to be limited to the embodiments expressly shown, but is tobe accorded the widest possible scope of invention consistent with theprinciples and features disclosed herein.

FIGS. 1-2 show a metal-clad multi-circuit electrical cable assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows oneembodiment in partial cutaway perspective, allowing identification ofall elements of the assembly. FIG. 2 shows the embodiment in an endview.

In one embodiment, the metal-clad multi-circuit cable assembly 114 isshown. The metal-clad multi-circuit assembly 114 includes a total offive (5) conductors designed to carry two discrete circuits: (a) a Class1-rated single-phase AC circuit 200; and (b) a Class 2/3-ratedlow-voltage circuit 210. However, wide variations in the quantity, type,and size of conductors used within such a multi-circuit cable assembly(as well as variations in the quantity, type, size, and rating ofdiscrete circuits used therein) are contemplated without detracting fromthe spirit of the invention to supply multiple circuits of various typesto a given type of smart fixture using an integrated cable assembly.

In one embodiment, the Class 1-rated circuit 200 includes threeconductors: Two Class 1-rated insulated phase conductors 110 a-b,together with a Class 1-rated insulated ground conductor 115. All threeconductors 110 a-b and 115 are cabled together longitudinally into abundle, which bundle is laid using a longitudinal left- or right-handedlay, in accordance with the lay requirements defined in Underwriters'Laboratories (UL) Standard 1569, Standard for Metal-Clad Cables(hereinafter “UL 1569”), which provides construction guidelines andperformance standards for metal-clad cables. In one embodiment, thephase conductors 110 and the ground conductor 115 are NEC type THHN(thermoplastic high heat-resistant Nylon-coated) conductors, rated foroperation at temperatures up to 90° C. In this embodiment, the insulatedground conductor 115 is formed of solid copper, size 10 or 12 AWG, whilethe phase conductors 110 may be formed of solid copper (size 10 or 12AWG), or stranded copper (size 12 AWG).

In another embodiment the Class 1-rated phase conductors 110 and theground conductor 115 are NEC type THWN-2 (thermoplastic heat andmoisture resistant Nylon-coated, type 2), rated for operation in wetlocations at temperatures up to 90° C. In this embodiment, the insulatedground conductor 115 is formed of solid copper, size 10 or 12 AWG. TheClass-1 rated conductors 110 may be formed of solid copper (size 10 or12 AWG), or stranded copper (size 12 AWG).

The Class 2/3 circuit 210 of one embodiment includes of two insulatedconductors, 111 a-b. In one embodiment, the two insulated conductors 111a-b are NEC type TFN (thermoplastic flexible Nylon-coated), and areformed of solid copper, size 16 AWG. The Class 2/3 conductors 111 a-bare cabled together longitudinally into a tightly-twisted helical(“twisted pair”) arrangement, which helps minimize the impact ofelectromagnetic interference on signals carried within the Class 2/3circuit 210. This twisted pair of conductors 111 a-b is isolated fromthe conductors of the Class 1 circuit 200 by a nonconductive insulatingjacket 118 which encases conductors 111 a-b, thus isolating the Class2/3 circuit 210 from the Class 1 circuit 200. In one embodiment, theinsulating jacket 118 is formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

In one embodiment, the Class 2/3 circuit 210 and the Class 1 circuit 200are wrapped in separator tape 119, which is printed with appropriateconductor identification information, to form a single cable assembly.The wrapped assembly is then clad in a conductive armor 117 of aluminumor galvanized steel. The conductive armor sheath 117 is formed from acontinuous metal strip or tape, which is formed by winding a saidmetallic strip helically about the wrapped conductor assembly to formthe flexible interlocked sheath 117 as shown. In one embodiment, theconductive armor 117 is formed of aluminum.

The conductive armor sheath 117 is a tubular sheath formed from acontinuous metal strip, which is formed into helical convolutions havinga cross-sectional shape which provides for overlap and interlocking ofadjacent convolutions and contact between adjacent convolutions along ahelical line such that, upon bending the sheath, the convolutions remainin contact at a trailing edge of one convolution and the inner surfaceof an adjacent convolution. The conductive armor sheath 117 may beformed with the maximum number of convolutions within a given unitlength of sheath, which decreases the minimum bending radius thereof(thus increasing sheath flexibility).

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one embodiment of a wiringinstallation of a “smart” luminaire (light fixture) is shown in top andside views. A smart light fixture 101 is shown. The smart light fixture101 includes a fixture housing 102, a control housing 105, a fixturecontrol system 109, and a lamp element 108. The metal-clad,multi-circuit electrical cable assembly 114 carries the Class 1 circuit200 and the Class 2/3 circuit 210 of one embodiment to the fixturehousing 102. An access plate 103, which features one or moreknockout-style wiring ports 104, allows an installer to access wiringconnections within the fixture's control housing 105. When theconductive armor sheath 117 of the metal-clad, multi-circuit electricalcable assembly 114 is attached to the fixture housing 102 at wiring port104, a conductive return ground path from the fixture housing 102 to thebuilding ground is formed to guard against ground fault, short-circuit,or other electrical fault.

The conductors 110 a-b and 115 of the Class 1 circuit 200 pass throughwiring port 104 and control housing 105 into the fixture housing 102,where phase conductors 110 a-b connect to the lamp element 108, whilethe ground conductor 115 connects to a fixture grounding connection 116.The conductors 111 a-b of the Class 2/3 circuit 210 pass through thewiring port 104 into control housing 105, where they connect to fixturecontrol system 109. The conductors 111 a-b and the control housing 105may carry signals, including low power signals, which control theintensity of the lamp element 108. In this manner, the desired result ofcarrying both a properly-armored, Class 1-rated primary power supplycircuit 200 and a Class 2/3-rated control/signal circuit 210 to smartfixture 101 is achieved in a single integrated cable assembly 114.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary ceiling installation of light fixturesin a commercial building is shown. Multiple light fixtures 101 arearranged as desired within the ceiling structure. The fixtures areserially connected using a single run of the metal-clad multi-circuitcable assembly 114 according to one embodiment of the invention.Implementation of the metal-clad multi-circuit cable assembly 114reduces installation of electrical cabling to a single step, which savescosts for labor and materials. The resulting installation is simplified(over the several-cables-per-fixture method of the prior art), isspace-saving, and is more aesthetically pleasing than a potential tangleof multiple cables in the ceiling spaces.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, alternate embodiments of the invention areshown in end view. FIG. 5 is an end view of one embodiment of theinvention in which the insulated phase conductors 110 a-b are formed ofstranded copper.

FIG. 6 is an end view of one embodiment of the invention in which theClass 1 circuit 200 includes three insulated phase conductors 110 a-c aswell as the insulated ground conductor 115. This four-conductor Class1-rated circuit 200 may carrying dual- or split-phase AC power.

FIG. 7 is an end view of one embodiment of the invention in which theClass 1 circuit 200 includes four insulated phase conductors 110 a-d aswell as the insulated ground conductor 115. This five-conductor Class1-rated circuit 200 may carrying three-phase AC power.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, alternate embodiments of the invention are shownin partial cutaway perspective views. FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of theinvention in which the conductive armor sheath 117 is coated with aprotective jacket of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 120, making the assemblysuitable for installation in wet locations.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of the invention in which removablecolor-coded identification labels 121 are applied to the conductivearmor sheath 117, spaced at regular linear intervals, to allow for theidentification of the type and application of the cable assemblycontained therein without the need for disconnecting the cable assembly114 or cutting through the conductive armor sheath 117.

It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that, for purposes ofthe present disclosure, the physical disposition and relative positionsof various conductors within the metal-clad cable assembly (particularlyas depicted in the section views shown in FIGS. 4, 7, 8 and 9), aremerely representative dispositions intended for illustration, notlimitation. The manner in which a metal-clad cable assembly isconstructed, typically including a right- or left-hand twist imparted toconductors as they are laid within an assembly, may cause variousconductors therein to change position relative to one another as onemoves along the length of the assembly. FIG. 2, for example, shows anend view in which the insulated ground conductor 115 is depicted in thethree o'clock position of the end view; the insulated phase conductors110 a-b are shown in the six o'clock and nine o'clock positions; and theseparately-jacketed pair of Class 2/3 conductors 111 a-b are shown atthe twelve o'clock position. Yet if one were to cut through the cableassembly a few inches up or down its length from the section view shownin FIG. 2, this new section view revealed by the new cut would likelyshow a very different arrangement of the various conductors therein,with respect to one another, as a result of the construction of theassembly.

Although the invention is described herein with reference to specificembodiments, various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claimsbelow. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded inan illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of theinvention. Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that aredescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended tobe construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element ofany or all the claims.

From time-to-time, the invention is described herein in terms of theseexample embodiments. Description in terms of these embodiments isprovided to allow the various features and embodiments of the inventionto be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. Afterreading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art how the invention can be implemented in different andalternative environments. Unless defined otherwise, all technical andscientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs.

The preceding discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. The general principles describedherein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than thosedetailed below without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. The invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosedherein.

In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have beendisclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such featuremay be combined with one or more other features of the other embodimentsas may be desired. It is therefore, contemplated that the claims willcover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the truescope of the invention.

The various diagrams may depict an example architectural or otherconfiguration for the invention, which is done to aid in understandingthe features and functionality that can be included in the invention.The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architecturesor configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using avariety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it willbe apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional,logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implementedto implement the desired features of the invention. Also, a multitude ofdifferent constituent module names other than those depicted herein canbe applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flowdiagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in whichthe steps are presented herein shall not mandate that variousembodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in thesame order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one”, “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional”, “traditional”, “normal”,“standard”, “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read asrequiring that each and every one of those items be present in thegrouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or”should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, butrather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of theinvention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural iscontemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to thesingular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more”, “atleast”, “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and can further be distributedacross multiple locations.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used toarbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus,these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or otherprioritization of such elements.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification areherein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variationsof the described method and system of the invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe invention. Although the invention has been described in connectionwith specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that theinvention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specificembodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes forcarrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in thefield or any related fields are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical cable assembly, comprising: a firstelectrical circuit comprising a first plurality of insulated conductorslongitudinally disposed to one another, wherein the first plurality ofinsulated conductors are cabled together in a bundle; a secondelectrical circuit longitudinally disposed to the first electricalcircuit, the second electrical circuit comprising: a second plurality ofinsulated conductors longitudinally disposed to one another and cabledtogether in a bundle, wherein the second plurality of insulatedconductors is a control insulated conductors; a nonmetallic jacketsurrounding the second plurality of insulated conductors, thenonmetallic jacket isolating the first electrical circuit from thesecond electrical circuit; and a flexible interlocking conductivemetallic armor encasing the first and second electrical circuits,wherein the flexible interlocking conductive metallic armor provides areturn ground path.
 2. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1, whereinthe first plurality of insulated conductors include solid copperconductors.
 3. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst plurality of insulated conductors include stranded copperconductors.
 4. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst plurality of insulated conductors are power supply insulatedconductors.
 5. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein thesecond plurality of insulated conductors are signal insulatedconductors.
 6. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising color-coded labels applied to the flexible interlockingmetallic armor.
 7. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein theflexible interlocking metallic armor is formed from aluminum.
 8. Theelectrical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible interlockingmetallic armor is formed from steel.
 9. The electrical cable assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible interlocking metallic armor is coated withpolyvinyl chloride (PVC).
 10. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1,wherein the second plurality of insulated conductors are helicallytwisted about one another.
 11. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1,wherein the nonmetallic jacket is formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).12. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstplurality of insulated conductors includes at least three insulatedconductors.
 13. The electrical cable assembly of claim 12, wherein theat least three insulated conductors includes an insulated groundconductor.
 14. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst plurality of insulated conductors includes at least five insulatedconductors.
 15. The electrical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst plurality of insulated conductors includes thermoplastic highheat-resistant Nylon-coated insulated conductors.
 16. The electricalcable assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of insulatedconductors includes thermoplastic heat and moisture resistantNylon-coated insulated conductors.
 17. The electrical cable assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the second plurality of insulated conductors includesat least two insulated conductors.
 18. The electrical cable assembly ofclaim 17, wherein the second plurality of insulated conductors includesthermoplastic flexible Nylon-coated insulated conductors.
 19. Theelectrical cable assembly of claim 1 further comprising a separator tapesurrounding the first and second electrical circuits and located withinthe flexible interlocking metallic armor.
 20. The electrical cableassembly of claim 19, wherein the separator tape includes printedconductor identification information.